Pollen forecast

We produce and supply the pollen forecasts for the UK in conjunction with the Met Office. This forecast was last updated on 22nd September 2017.

Summary and Weekly Synopsis

Fungal spore levels high at times during warm and humid conditions. Low to moderate in Scotland. Pollen risk generally low.

Tree Pollen - Low

The tree pollen risk will be low this week.

Grass Pollen - Low

The grass pollen season is now finished with only a low risk across all parts of the UK.

Fungal Spore - High

A high fungal spore risk during suitable conditions for most parts of England, Ireland and Wales. More moderate in Scotland. Aspergillus/ penicillium types are airborne currently. Alternaria is now in late season and Cladosporium and Epicoccum (released during warm dry weather) will continue. Sporobolomyces and basidiospores (both require warm humid conditions) will continue. Spores affect an estimated 10% of seasonal allergy sufferers.

Weed Pollen - Low

The weed pollen risk has now decreased and will be mainly low.

Other information

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) pollen can cause hay fever in a small number of sufferers but Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) given off by the crop can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes in some people in close proximity to the crop.

Further Information

Forecasts are available on a regional basis to cover the whole of the UK including Northern Ireland. They can also be provided in detail for individual regions.

Daily forecasts are issued from the middle of March to the end of September. Tree pollen forecasts are issued in late spring (late March to Mid May). Grass pollen forecasts are issued from late May to August. Weed pollen forecasts are issued from July to the end of May. Fungal spore forecasts are available from the University of Worcester from September to early November. Please contact Beverley on the number above for details.

Daily forecasts are featured in newspapers, on radio, on television and various web pages.

All the forecasts are based on information from the quality controlled data produced by the National Pollen Monitoring Network, combined with the information from weather forecasts, local vegetation and typography types and information about biological factors and the weather in the preseason period that influences the amount of pollen produced.